On Point Pairings - Wine

Grüner Veltliner is like springtime (or summer!) in a glass. Haven’t tried this signature white grape from Austria yet? Richly textured and well structured, the Kremstal style of Gruner Veltliner wines are naturally acidic but develop honeyed characteristics and display notes of lemon, tart spice, ripe pear and peach. Think of it as an exotic alternative to chardonnay. And we all get a tired of chardonnay, don’t we?

Sip this Wine:  One to try now is the '13 Malat Grüner Veltliner Höhlgraben Kremstal, Austria. “It’s an exceptional white wine for food,” says Sean Beck, Sommelier/Beverage Director for Backstreet Cafe, Caracol & Hugo's Restaurants.

Pair with: Backstreet Café’s House Cured Salmon board appetizer, an irresistible display including creamy herbed goat cheese, pickled cucumber, deviled eggs, crisp radish, onion, rich house-cured salmon and pumpernickel bread. Why it works: According to Beck, this Grüner Veltliner is “clean, fragrant and displays the high acid and minerality needed balance out the rich, oilier flavor of the smoked salmon. It also plays well with the herb flavors in the fresh goat cheese and the pickled cucumber. This wine will wake up fish and cleanse the palate with its vibrancy and purity.” It will wake you up, too!

Where to buy it: Enjoy it at Backstreet Café (1103 S. Shepherd, 713.521.2239, www.backstreetcafe.net) or order it from Spec’s (www.specsonline.com).